Interdisciplinary
Our program draws from mathematics, data analytics and computer science. This means you will gain a unique skill set that will benefit you in your career and set you up for long-term success.
Bachelor of Science in Statistics
Go beyond the numbers. Statistics at the University of St. Thomas integrates sophisticated technology with modern statistical methods to solve real-world problems. You will learn mathematical and statistical fundamentals, technological skills for acquiring and managing data and advanced methods of data analysis and visualization throughout your undergraduate career.
Why Study Statistics at St. Thomas?
Statistics is a joint collaboration between the and Departments at St. Thomas. Not only will you gain a strong understanding of statistical methods, but you will also gain technological, communication and critical thinking skills needed to analyze big data. You will be able to take classes focusing on topics like data mining, machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive modeling and more depending on your interests and goals. Our graduates go on to work in a variety of industries as risk analysts, bio-statisticians, epidemiologists, data scientists and more.
Making Sense of the Data
Course Requirements
You will start by developing a strong mathematical foundation by diving deep into classes about descriptive statistics, probability, inference, predictive modeling and more. You will also foster your computer programming and communication skills while completing electives focused on topics like Bayesian models and biostatistics.
Four-Year Plan
Beyond the foundational statistics coursework, you have access to a wide array of courses and electives focusing on spatial statistics, simulation and modeling, data visualization and more. We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to develop a four-year plan that matches your interests and goals.
Sample Four-Year Plans
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics with a concentration in Applied Statistics
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics with a concentration in Mathematical Statistics
- Minor in Statistics with a concentration in Applied Statistics
- Minor in Statistics with a concentration in Mathematical Statistics
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships
The Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving incoming students. St. Thomas offers two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates intending to pursue the sciences, mathematics or engineering at St. Thomas.
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
Statistics students have the opportunity to work on-campus as a tutor and/or grader for introductory statistics courses. Faculty within the Computer and Information Sciences Department also hire students to participate in professional research opportunities as well.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You will start by developing a strong mathematical foundation by diving deep into classes about descriptive statistics, probability, inference, predictive modeling and more. You will also foster your computer programming and communication skills while completing electives focused on topics like Bayesian models and biostatistics.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Beyond the foundational statistics coursework, you have access to a wide array of courses and electives focusing on spatial statistics, simulation and modeling, data visualization and more. We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to develop a four-year plan that matches your interests and goals.
Sample Four-Year Plans
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics with a concentration in Applied Statistics
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics with a concentration in Mathematical Statistics
- Minor in Statistics with a concentration in Applied Statistics
- Minor in Statistics with a concentration in Mathematical Statistics
Scholarships
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships
The Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving incoming students. St. Thomas offers two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates intending to pursue the sciences, mathematics or engineering at St. Thomas.
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
Statistics students have the opportunity to work on-campus as a tutor and/or grader for introductory statistics courses. Faculty within the Computer and Information Sciences Department also hire students to participate in professional research opportunities as well.
Using Data to Tackle Big Problems
From developing predictive models to forecast the future of our economy to improving the environment, our students, faculty and alumni are using their skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world.
Abigail Westphal '20
Abigail is a double major in applied statistics and computer science. In addition to being involved with multiple music ensembles, Abigail also spent last January traveling to Morocco, Spain and Portugal with the Wind Ensemble. She is partnering with Dr. Sergey Berg to conduct a population reconstruction to be used by wildlife management companies or the DNR as part of her capstone project.
Sydney Benson, Jessica Mohr and Regina Burroughs
Sydney, Jessica and Regina will submit a paper for publication focusing on forecasting economic capital using multivariate probability distributions. They received an external grant from the Joint Risk Management Section of the Society of Actuaries and the College of Arts and Sciences at St. Thomas to conduct this research project.
Maria Ishmael
As online retailers continue to expand their influence on the global market, there is a growing need for college graduates to apply spatial statistics and predictive analytics to improve company efficiency. As a data analyst at Ultimac, Maria Ishmael is applying all of those skills on a daily basis. She analyzes data coming in from telematics devices on fleet vehicles to streamline the company’s daily functions.
Just the Facts
Statistics students have a variety of unique opportunities throughout their time at St. Thomas, including interacting with faculty one-on-one in a range of settings.
Capstone
You will have the chance to conduct impactful research. The statistics major culminates with the chance to partner with a faculty member on real issues that interest you in a capstone course.
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In the last five years, our faculty have published 33 peer-reviewed papers, one book, one book chapter and two R statistical packages.
Career Paths
You can go down a variety of career paths with a degree in statistics.
- Statistician
- Risk Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Bio-Statistician
- Data or Business Analyst
Get Involved
Seminars, events and student-run clubs—the possibilities are endless for getting involved at St. Thomas.
R Ladies is a worldwide organization promoting gender diversity in the R programming community. They hold meetings every year in the Twin Cities, and our students have the opportunity to attend and engage with the community. In addition, they build their professional network and learn more about their future career field.
St. Thomas hosts the Applied Probability and Statistics Seminar Series, co-sponsored by the Twin Cities chapter of the American Statistical Association. The ongoing series has not only attracted students and faculty throughout our program and St. Thomas, but industry experts as well.
Senior statistics majors complete a capstone project spanning a variety of topic areas. Past projects have included the spread of deliberate misinformation in the media and the perceptions of gender in leadership roles.
Faculty With Real Experience
Dr. Sergey Berg
Dr. Berg uses statistical simulations to compare strategies for combating the spread of chronic wasting disease in Minnesota.
Dr. Arkady Shemyakin
Dr. Shemyakin studies ancient games of chance to trace the history of simulation and randomized decision-making.
Using Big Data to Solve Big Problems
Statistics students can study abroad, get involved with collaborative research and so much more. Our students engage with each other and the broader St. Thomas community.
See the World
Our students are world travelers. They have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, where they learn to apply statistics to a variety of real-world situations. They also have the opportunity to conduct research with several universities in Moscow, Novosibirsk and Astrakhan in Russia.
Unique Opportunities
Students recently presented at a meeting of the local chapter of the American Statistical Association.
Make an Impact
Statistics students have many chances to work with faculty, such as collecting data and using predictive modeling for the Pollinator Path and the Center for Applied Mathematics at St. Thomas this summer.
Facilities That Meet Your Needs
Choosing to major or minor in statistics means you will have access to fantastic technology in the classroom to challenge yourself and develop your skills.
Statistics has five primary teaching rooms on the fourth floor and three classrooms on the second floor of the O'Shaughnessy Science Center.
We support over 100 software packages for teaching and research.
Students have access to the Center for Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Resource Center (MaRC).
A Unique Approach
Statistics students at St. Thomas learn to integrate sophisticated technology with modern statistical methods to address real-world issues. They graduate with valuable and practical skills needed in multiple industries.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.